Online Gambling Washington
Washington is not known for being a very gambling friendly state. They do have some land based gambling establishments, but they don’t go out of their way to be catering to the gambling community. Anyone who wants to play online will need to stick with the offshore gambling. Washington Sports Betting: Tribal Casinos & State Working on Compact (2020 Legal Update) The state of Washington became the 21st state to legalize sports betting on March 25th, 2020 when Governor Jay Inslee signed a new sports betting bill into law. Washington was the. Washington Online Casinos – $68m. Online casino gambling laws remain ambiguous in the State. Therefore online casino betting turnover remains solely from offshore online casinos. The past three years have seen stable gambling turnover. Online casino remains a popular form of betting in the state, but falls behind the tribal casinos, cardrooms.
- Online Gambling Washington Law
- Online Sports Gambling Washington State
- Washington State Online Gambling Laws
- Online Gambling Washington
Washington gambling laws allow casinos, horse racing, a state lottery, and
most other forms of gaming.
But they’re strict when it comes to gambling online.
In addition to discussing Washington’s online gambling laws, we’ll also
cover offshore gaming sites, land-based gambling laws in Washington, where to gamble in Washington, Washington’s
gambling history and the future of gambling in Washington
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Online Gambling and Washington Law
Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?
No, online gambling is not legal in Washington. The Washington Revised Code
strictly prohibits the transmission of gambling information over the internet.
This law applies to both players and operators.
Washington is one of the few states with specific laws on the books about
online gambling.
Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission website says about
internet gambling:
“The Washington
State Constitution (Article II Section 24) prohibits all gambling activities
unless the activity is specifically authorized in State law. Internet gambling
has never been authorized and is illegal in Washington State.
To further clarify this, in 2006, the Washington State Legislature amended RCW
9.46.240 to affirmatively state that Internet gambling is illegal in
Washington State.
The penalty for transmitting gambling information was also increased from a
gross misdemeanor to a class C felony.
It is illegal to:
- Operate an Internet gambling site.
- Gamble on the Internet.
- Install or maintain equipment to send or receive gambling information.
- Facilitate Internet gambling in any way.”
Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Washington?
Yes, you can get arrested for gambling online in Washington. It’s a felony to
gamble online in Washington, which seems like a strict penalty when compared to
many other states, where it’s usually a misdemeanor.
But we couldn’t find record of any individual who has been arrested for
gambling online in Washington.
Online Gambling Washington Law
Law enforcement in Washington doesn’t have much interested in pursuing
individual online gamblers; they’re interested in residents who are running
illegal casinos online and on land.
Is Washington Going to Legalize Online Gaming?
It’s safe to say that since Washington went to the length of specifically
prohibiting online gambling and making it a felony, they most likely won’t
legalize online gambling.
Although Washington gambling sites could bring revenue into the state, it
seems that Washington is set on outlawing all forms of online gambling.
It’s possible that with some political changes and a push from the current
casinos, online gambling could come to Washington, but it would be a long time
before we saw any change.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Gaming Site?
Our best advice to all our readers is to follow the laws in your state. But
if you’re going to risk it, you can find Washington gambling sites operating in
other countries. These are companies who don’t mind skirting the legal situation
in the state.
If you decide to play at one of these sites, you need to take appropriate
steps to find one that’s legitimate.
Choosing a good online gaming site can be easy if you know what to look for.
- Deposit Options
Check the deposit options available on the site. If you
don’t feel comfortable using the deposit options available, look for a different
site. Also check the withdrawal options. - Game Variety
Look into the all the games that the site offers. You want to
make sure there’s enough content to keep you entertained. - Read Reviews
Read reviews from current or past members of the site. Reading
reviews can be the most crucial part of your research because it gives you the
best idea of what you can expect from the website. - Talk to Customer Service
Email, call, or live chat with the customer
service team of the website you’re considering. You don’t have to have a real
question; just come up with anything. The point of contacting the customer
service department is to see how professional and quick they are. - Read the Small Print
Read the fine print on the sign-up promotions. Some
promotions seem too good to be true, and they usually are. Reading the fine
print about the promotion tells you how much you have to wager or how long you
have to be a member before you get the promotional value.
Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?
Checking how long a site has been in business and reviewing their licenses
can let you know if a site is safe.
For any business to stay open, they have to have customers. Check how long
the site has been in business and it will give you a good idea about if they
have loyal customers that are happy with the site. A site that has been open 10
years has more loyal customers and more reviews than a site that has been open
10 months.
Offshore gambling sites have different restrictions and regulations when
getting their license than businesses in the U.S. do. Read into the details of
the regulations they have to follow to learn about the fees and restrictions the
site might have.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Washington?
No, daily fantasy sports are illegal in Washington.
Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Spots Wagering page says
about it:
“In 1973, when the Gambling Act was first passed 100 square sports pool
boards were authorized. We believe these boards were popular at the time and
that’s why they were specifically authorized. We understand the NCAA basketball
“Final Four” tournament and the bracket pools often associated with the
tournament increased in popularity after 1979 when ESPN aired on television.
However, bracket pools, office sports pools, and fantasy sports have never been
authorized as gambling activities in Washington State and are illegal.”
Also On This Page
Gambling Venues in Washington
The History of Gaming Laws in Washington
More Gambling Laws in Washington
- Casino Games (Legal)
- Lottery (Legal)
- Sports and Race Betting (Parimuteul Only)
- Bingo (Charitable games only)
- Social Gambling (Illegal Eith Exceptions)
The Washington Revised Code defines gambling as:
“staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of
chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence,
upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive
something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include
fishing derbies as defined by this chapter, parimutuel betting and handicapping
contests”
Casino Games: Legal
Casinos can be found throughout Washington. Most casinos in Washington are
tribal casinos.
Tribal casinos are authorized for class three games, so you can find your
favorite casino games, including craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette, at these
casinos.
Here’s a list of the authorized card games that card rooms in these casinos
can offer:
Sports and Race Betting: Parimutuel Only
Parimutuel, or pool betting, is legal in Washington.
Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Sports Wagering page
says:
“Both businesses and individuals may offer 100 square sports pool boards.
Strict rules must be followed when offering them (RCW 9.46.0335).
- Each business or individual may offer only one board on any single athletic event.
- The board must be divided into 100 squares.
- You may charge up to one dollar per square. Each player must be charged the same entry fee (up to one dollar per square).
- Each player picks a square and their name is written in the square.
- Numbers representing game scores are randomly assigned to each square.
You should develop and post house rules for how the sports pool board will be
operated. For example, a deadline for collecting prize money, winner
identification, requirements for someone other than a winner collecting a prize,
what will happen if there is a tie, and how money will be distributed if a
winning square is not sold.
The sports pool board must be available for inspection by anyone purchasing a
square, Gambling Commission agents, and other law enforcement representatives.
These limitations apply to all sporting events equally (Super Bowl, Final
Four, etc.).
It is illegal to have a sports pool board where you:
- Have more than one board per athletic event;
- Offer anything other than 100 squares;
- or Charge more than one dollar per square.
The 100 square sports pool board is the only sports wagering authorized in
Washington State law.”
Greyhound racing is illegal in Washington. Here’s what the Washington Revised
Code says about greyhound racing:
“A person may not hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing for public
exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events, if such activities
are conducted for gambling purposes. A person may not transmit or receive
intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial,
parimutuel, or exhibition purposes, if such activities are conducted for
gambling purposes.
A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B felony, under RCW
9.46.220, professional gambling in the first degree, and is subject to the
penalty under RCW 9A.20.021″
Lottery: Legal
Washington has a state-regulated lottery.
Here’s what the Washington state lottery website says:
“In addition to Washington’s Lottery players who took home $432.9 million
last year, the Lottery helps fund and support people and communities all over
the state. From the student who receives a college grant, to the convenience
store owner supporting his family, to the CenturyLink Stadium employee,
Washington’s Lottery continues to contribute to the well-being of others with
its proceeds.”
The Washington state lottery revenue goes toward:
- Winners 61.6%
- WOPA Education 18.3%
- Cost of Sales 6.3%
- Retailers 5.1%
- Stadium & Exhibition Center 1.7%
- General Fund 4.5%
- Administration 2.1%
- Economic Development 0.4%
- And problem gambling
Washington state lottery games include:
- Power Ball
- Mega Millions
- Lotto
- Hit 5
- Match 4
- Daily Game
- Daily Keno
- And scratch off cards
Bingo: Charitable Games Only
Social card games, dice games, bingo, raffles, and more are all legal for
charitable and nonprofit organizations to run in Washington.
Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about charitable and
nonprofit organization gambling activities:
“The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit
organizations to conduct bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and fund raising
events, and to utilize punch boards and pull-tabs and to allow their premises
and facilities to be used by only members, their guests, and members of a
chapter or unit organized under the same state, regional, or national charter or
constitution, to play social card games authorized by the commission, when
licensed, conducted or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and
rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”
Social card games, punch boards, and pull tab games are also legal at
restaurants. Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about it:
“The legislature hereby authorizes any person, association or organization
operating an established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or
drink for consumption on the premises to conduct social card games and to
utilize punch boards and pull-tabs as a commercial stimulant to such business
when licensed and utilized or operated pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”
Social gambling: Illegal With Exceptions
Washington gambling laws are based off three elements, which are a prize,
wagering, and chance. In order for it to be gambling, all three elements have to
be present, and if one of them is missing, it’s not considered gambling.
Washington residents can play any casino game in their home, as long as it’s
missing one of the three elements of gambling.
Here’s a list of the tribal casinos located in Washington:
1) Lucky Eagle Casino
12888 188th Avenue SW,
Rochester, WA 98579
(360) 273-2000
2) Coulee Dam Casino
515 Birch Street,
Coulee Dam, WA 99116
1-800-556-7492
3) Mill Bay Casino
455 E. Wapato Lake Rd,
Manson, WA 98831
1-800-648-2946
4) 12 Tribes Resort
28968 Highway 97,
Omak, WA 98841
1-800-559-4643
5) Ilani Casino Resort
1 Cowlitz Way,
Ridgefield, WA 98642
1-877-464-5264
6) 7 Cedars Casino
270756 Hwy 101,
Sequim, WA 98382
(360) 683-7777
7) Northern Quest Casino
100 N. Hayford Road,
Airway Heights, WA 99001
(509) 242-7000
8) Silver Reef Casino
4876 Haxton Way,
Ferndale, WA 98428
(360) 383-0777
9) Muckleshoot Casino
2402 Auburn Way S.,
Auburn, WA 98002
(800) 804-4944
10) Muckleshoot Bingo
2117 Auburn Way S,
Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 735-2404
11) Red Wind Casino
12819 Yelm Hwy SE,
Olympia, WA 98513
(360) 412-5000
12) The Point Casino
7989 Salish Lane NE,
Kingston, WA 98346
(360) 297-0070
13) Emerald Queen Casino at I-5
2024 E. 29th St.,
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 594-7777
14) EQC at FIFE
5700 Pacific Highway E,
Fife, WA 98424
(253) 594-7777
15) Quinault Beach Resort & Casino
78 State Route 115,
Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(360) 289-4466
14) Lucky Dog Casino
19330 US-101,
Skokomish, WA 98584
(360) 877-5656
17) Snoqualmie Casino
37500 SE North Bend Way,
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
(425) 888-1234
18) Chewelah Casino
2555 Smith Road,
Chewela, WA 99109
(509) 258-9845
19) Two Rivers Casino
6828-B Highway 25 South,
Davenport, WA 99122
1-800-954-2946
20) Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108,
Shelton, WA 98584
(360) 427-7711
21) Angel of the Winds Casino
3438 Stoluckaguamish Lane,
Arlington, WA 98223
(360) 474-9740
22) Suquamish Clearwater Resort
15347 Suquamish Way NE,
Suquamish, WA 98392
(360) 598-8700
23) Suquamish Casino
12885 Casino Drive,
Anacortes, WA 98221
(360) 293-2691
24) Tulalip Resort Casino
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd,
Tulalip, WA 98270
(360) 716-6000
25) Skagit Valley Casino
5984 N. Dark Lane,
Bow, WA 98232
(360) 724-7777
26) Yakama Legends Casino
580 E. Fort Road,
Toppenish, WA 98948
(509) 865-8800
History of Gambling in Washington
Online Sports Gambling Washington State
1933Washington legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.
1973The Gambling Commission oversees charity gambling including bingo, pull tabs, raffles, and casio nights.
1992Washington Signs it’s first compact with a native tribe to open casinos.
1997Card rooms that offer non banked games are legalized outside of tribal lands.
2006Internet gambling is made a felony for both players and operators.
2010The poker Players Alliance goes to the Supreme Court to question the Internet gambling ban, but fails with the Supreme Court choosing to back the state.
2013A bill is put forward to regulate intra state poker in Washington but it doesn’t make it far before it’s rejected.
Additional Resources
Washington Gambling Future
Washington has legalized plenty of gambling, including casinos, social
gambling, charitable gambling, a lottery, and parimutuel horse racing.
But Washington gambling sites seem to be out of the question.
Since Washington has strictly prohibited daily fantasy sports online and made
gambling online a felony for both players and operators, it’s unlikely
Washington will ever have a state-regulated gambling site.
Was Washington nicknamed the “Evergreen State” because of all the money you can win gambling there? Probably not, but we can all dream! Gambling in Washington is now easier than ever with a massive selection of the best Washington online casinos. To get started with your favorite games now, choose one of the trusted and safe options listed below.
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What Makes These the Best Washington Online Casinos?
Racking and stacking top Washington online casinos is a tall task. With so many different options telling you they’re the best, it’s essential to learn what’s most important. Our review team of experts specializes in determining the quality of an online casino site. Below, you’ll see the top three criteria they look for when choosing the top Washington online casinos to recommend.
Games Washingtonians Love to Play
Wherever you are in the country, there are always trends of casino games that residents love to play. In Washington, it’s blackjack, roulette, and slots! If you look at the summarized statistic below, you’ll see that Washington ranks seventh with over 30,000 machines!
| Number of Gaming Machines by State (2017) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 32,448 | ||
| Nevada | 172,295 | ||
| Oklahoma | 74,562 | ||
| California | 73,605 | ||
| Louisiana | 42,725 | ||
| Illinois | 38,283 | ||
| New York | 33,159 | ||
| Michigan | 31,176 | ||
| Mississippi | 30,944 | ||
| Pennsylvania | 25,685 | ||
| Florida | 21,477 | ||
| Minnesota | 21,015 | ||
When we’re choosing which Washington online casino sites to recommend, we make sure they offer the highest-quality versions of these games. Not only do we want to see desktop versions of these games, but we want to see superb mobile versions as well.
Ultimately, we’re looking for the most well-rounded experience possible.
The Best Online Gambling Experience Possible
Second-rate Washington online casinos need not apply! When we’re creating our recommended list, we want online betting sites of the highest quality. There’s no reason you shouldn’t have the best when you’re wagering with your hard-earned money. All of the best Washington online casinos we’ve recommended here know how to take care of their clients the right way.
Here are some of the areas they shine when it comes to the quality of the gambling experience:
- Newest games and the classics
- Games from the top gaming companies
- An array of banking options to choose from
- Seamless animations and high-quality graphics
- A gaming lobby that’s easy to navigate
Safety, Security, and Trust
Washington State Online Gambling Laws
When you’re gambling for real money online, you need to know your money is safe. Our team does an extensive review of the safety, security, and trustworthiness of gambling sites to ensure we’re only recommending the safest and best Washington online casinos. There is no excuse for any online gambling site to put you or your money at risk.
Factors we look at include:
- Proper SSL encryption across the entire casino site
- Banking partners with appropriate safety and security protocols in place
- Banking integration conducted properly
- Random number generators tested for fairness
- Internal processes designed to protect the flow of information
- Dedicated security representatives
- Consistent updates of software; highest-quality software utilized
Are Washington Online Casinos Legal?
Washington gambling laws make no mention of the legality or illegality of gambling online in Washington. This creates a gray area. Legalistic minds would say that it’s illegal because it’s not explicitly deemed legal by the law. But is there a law on the books in Washington that says playing Monopoly is illegal? There isn’t. Does this mean family game night needs to be prepared to get raided by the police? No.
Our opinion is shared by many legal minds in that gambling online in Washington is legal.
If you’re someone who needs a definitive answer, though, you’ll need to consult an attorney. In our opinion, though, you’re good to go!
The Legal Landscape of Brick and Mortar Casinos in Washington
A positive sign for Washington online casino sites is the stance the state takes on land-based casinos. Here are a few quick gambling stats as of this year in Washington state:
- 96 land-based casinos
- 35,014 slot machines
- 1163 table games
Gambling is flourishing in Washington state. This growth is all thanks to gambling laws and regulations that create an environment where these casinos can flourish. Gambling regulations in Washington is covered by two sections of legal code listed below:
Gambling Legal Code 9.46.010 and Gambling Legal Code 67.16.010
Online Gambling Washington
The state of Washington defines gambling as:
“Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence, upon an agreement that someone will receive something of value.”
Here are the highlights you need to know about brick and mortar gambling laws in Washington:
- Casinos are only allowed on Indian reservations
- Dog racing and horse racing are legal at these Indian casinos
- Workplace gambling is legal in WA (legalized in 1973)
- Bracket pools are the only type of sports betting legal in WA
The Future of Online Gambling in Washington
As most industries move digital, we’d expect the online gambling industry in WA to do the same. States with favorable brick and mortar casino gambling laws are the most likely to make positive strides for all-out regulation of online gambling in the near future.
Now, we can’t see the future, so it’s tough to predict exactly what is going to happen and when.
Most likely the changes will come allowing sports betting at Indian reservations first (brick and mortar).
After this, we expect to see changes slowly roll out either by type of game or all at once for the online sector. When this happens, expect to see more top Washington online casinos enter the market.
Washington Online Casinos FAQ
Here are the most critical safe online gambling guidelines: Never use your casino account on a public computer. Always keep your antivirus software updated. Don’t use a weak password or share your password with anyone else. Never gamble when you are intoxicated or emotional. Never wager more money than you are willing to part with. Always use reputable Washington online casino sites.
All play money games use the same random number generator, the same software, and the same payout system. While you can’t win or lose any money, you can get a great feel of what real money play will be like.